Federal Drug Trial for Newport Alderman to Resume Friday

NOVEMBER 16, 2006 - Posted at 7:34 a.m. CST

LITTLE ROCK, AR - The federal court drug trial of Newport alderman Pinkey McFarlin will resume tomorrow, four days after McFarlin was hospitalized for chest pains. U.S. District Judge George Howard, Jr. met with counselors in the case yesterday and decided on the resumption schedule, since McFarlin was expected to be released from the hospital by then. McFarlin remained hospitalized yesterday, according to a spokeswoman with the U.S. Attorney's office.

A jury was seated November 6 to hear the case against McFarlin, who is charged with distributing Xanax and crack cocaine. But Howard sent the jury home for the day Tuesday after he was told that McFarlin had spent Monday night in a hospital.

The 56-year-old McFarlin faces a total of 26 charges in an indictment handed up in January 2005. He lost a bid for re-election and is serving out the final two months of his term on the Newport City Council.

In the past couple of months, a number of high-profile men have been accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Allegations have led to resignations in Congress - and may have made a difference in a key Senate race.

In the past couple of months, a number of high-profile men have been accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Allegations have led to resignations in Congress - and may have made a difference in a key Senate race.

Religious leaders, elected officials and mourners gathered at multiple prayer vigils Monday night in Las Vegas after more than 50 people were killed and more than 500 were injured in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Religious leaders, elected officials and mourners gathered at multiple prayer vigils Monday night in Las Vegas after more than 50 people were killed and more than 500 were injured in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.